The Best Ways to Use Credit and Debit Cards When Traveling Abroad

NerdWallet's Smart Money Podcast

Learn how to optimize debit and credit cards abroad, avoid fees, and maximize rewards for stress-free international travel.

What are the best ways to use debit and credit cards while traveling internationally? What are best practices for avoiding fees and maximizing card benefits abroad? Hosts Sean Pyles and Meghan Coyle discuss strategic card usage and essential financial tips for international travel to help you understand how to enjoy a seamless and cost-effective travel experience. They begin with a discussion of the importance of preparing for holiday travel, with tips and tricks on carrying multiple credit cards for redundancy, avoiding pitfalls of cash advances, and the benefits of traveling during off-peak times.

Then, travel Nerd Craig Joseph joins Meghan to discuss practical tips for managing credit cards and currency while traveling internationally. They discuss the advantages of using cards for their rewards and protections, the necessity of charging in local currency to avoid conversion fees, and obtaining local currency before departure to minimize ATM and currency exchange fees. This episode offers a comprehensive guide to help your international travels stay financially savvy and stress-free.

Check out NerdWallet’s roundup of the 16 Best Travel Credit Cards of September 2024: https://www.nerdwallet.com/best/credit-cards/travel

In their conversation, the Nerds discuss: international travel tips, using credit cards abroad, debit card tips for travel, avoiding ATM fees abroad, holiday travel finances, travel expert tips, maximizing card rewards, charging in local currency, obtaining local currency, avoiding cash advances, minimizing travel costs, financial savvy travel, travel currency tips, holiday travel tips, travel spending strategies, travel card usage, credit card protections, travel rewards cards, international spending tips, foreign transaction fees, ATM fees abroad, travel planning, stress-free travel, travel stories, travel anecdotes, off-peak travel benefits, travel points, local currency tips, avoiding travel pitfalls, credit card tips, international travel guide, travel with multiple cards, safe travel tips, RFID protection, trip delay insurance, and lost luggage protection.

To send the Nerds your money questions, call or text the Nerd hotline at 901-730-6373 or email [e-mail].

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